28th week of 2017 patent applcation highlights part 4 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20170196459 | SYSTEMS FOR OPTICAL IMAGING OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUES - A fiber-based polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) system uses a new polarization diversity detection (PDD) scheme and requires no active polarization modulating components. Retardation of the sample can be determined from amplitudes of arbitrarily-oriented x- and y-components of the reflected light. A hybrid custom 50/50 coupler with single-mode fiber inputs and polarization maintaining (PM) fiber outputs combines light from sample and reference arms of an interferometer. Another embodiment provides a system adapted to provide co-registered autofluorescence-optical coherence tomography (AF-OCT) imaging. AF excitation light is introduced and collected AF light is extracted at a fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) equipped with an embedded dichroic mirror. A probe tip that uses a clad fiber to supply light to a focusing element provides enhanced OCT and AF performance. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196460 | PROBE, OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY DEVICE, AND ZERO POINT CORRECTION METHOD | 2017-07-13 |
20170196461 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING METHOD - An object information acquiring apparatus, comprising: a plurality of detecting elements which detect an acoustic wave generated from an object irradiated with light and convert the acoustic wave into detection signals; a signal determining unit which determines a detection signal detected by a detecting element which is not in acoustic contact with the object, of the plurality of detecting elements; a signal acquisition unit which generates a corrected detection signal by deleting at least a region which is not based on an acoustic wave generated from the interior of the object, from the determined detection signal; and an image processor which forms image data of the object from a detection signal detected by a detecting element which is in acoustic contact with the object and from the corrected detection signal. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196462 | PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGE GENERATION APPARATUS - An insertion needle has a light guide member for guiding light emitted from a light source, a light emitting portion for emitting light guided by the light guide member, and a photoacoustic wave generating portion for generating photoacoustic waves caused by light emitted from the light emitting portion. A photoacoustic image generation unit generates a photoacoustic image based on the detection signal of the photoacoustic waves. A distal end candidate extraction unit extracts a distal end candidate region from the shallow side of the image based on the strength of the detection signal of the photoacoustic waves. An image output unit displays the extracted distal end candidate region on an image display unit. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196463 | PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETER PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING OPERATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETER PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETER PROCESSING SYSTEM - A probe having a sensor configured to be attached to a living body to detect a physiological parameter and an information element configured to identify the sensor is connected to an interface of a physiological parameter processing apparatus. A detecting section of the physiological parameter processing apparatus detects, through the interface, whether the information element is present and whether the sensor is present. In response to the information element being detected but the sensor not being detected, a limiting processor of the physiological parameter processing apparatus limits at least a part of a function of the information element. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196464 | NON-INVASIVE INTRAVASCULAR VOLUME INDEX MONITOR - A non-invasive electronic patient monitor tracks one or more physiological parameters of a patient, such as intravascular volume index (IVI), extravascular volume index (EVI), total hemoglobin (SpHb), impedance, and/or weight. The patient monitor determines if one or more of the physiological parameters are within a predetermined range. The patient monitor activates an alarm if one or more of the physiological parameters are outside the predetermined range and indicates a patient can be experiencing edema and/or heart failure, or sepsis. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196465 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM FOR CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IMAGING AND MICROBUBBLE-ENHANCED BLOOD CLOT LYSIS - An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which utilizes one or more transducer arrays affixed to the head of a patient to diagnose and treat stroke victims. The transducer headset produces a two or three dimensional image of the vasculature inside the cranium, preferably assisted by a microbubble contrast agent. A vascular flow map is produced by the system which may be diagnosed for signs of a blood clot. If a blood clot is detected, a therapeutic beam is transmitted while the contrast agent is present to break up the blood clot by the disruption of microbubbles. The headset may also be used in a monitoring application to detect the recurrence of blood clots in a stroke victim. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196466 | Physiological Status Monitoring Device - A physiological status monitoring device includes a monitoring module and a fixing module. The monitoring module includes a first housing configured to be arranged at a first side of a flexible object, a monitoring unit arranged in the first housing for monitoring a physiological status of a human body, a first processing unit electrically connected to the monitoring unit for controlling operations of the monitoring unit, and a first magnetic fixing unit connected to the first housing. The fixing module includes a second housing configured to be arranged at a second side of the flexible object, and a second magnetic fixing unit connected to the second housing. Wherein, the first magnetic fixing unit and the second magnetic fixing unit are configured to hold the first housing and the second housing on the flexible object by magnetic force. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196467 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION MEASURING DEVICE INCLUDING LIGHT SOURCE, LIGHT DETECTOR, AND CONTROL CIRCUIT - A biological information measuring device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a light source that, in operation, emits irradiation light for irradiating a test portion of a subject; a light detector that, in operation, detects light from the subject and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the light; and a control circuit that, in operation, determines a power of the irradiation light emitted by the light source, and that, in operation, measures biological information related to a blood flow at the test portion based on the electrical signal. The control circuit, in operation, detects a distance between the light source and the test portion based on the electrical signal, and determines the power of the irradiation light such that the power of the irradiation light is increased as the distance increases. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196468 | Method for an Accurate Automated Non-invasive Measurement of Blood Pressure Waveform and Apparatus to Carry Out the Same - An apparatus for an accurate automated non-invasive measurement of blood pressure waveform using brachial (occlusion) cuff pressurized above systolic pressure and using differential pressure sensor. The methodology involves measurement in suprasystolic mode and in utilization and construction of the device followed by algorithms for processing and analysis of measured blood pressure pulse waves and assessment of hemodynamic parameters of human cardiovascular system. The device includes an electro-pump connected to the collar device, a differential pressure sensor, pressure senor A, pressure sensor B, valve, closing a valve and the air reservoir. The cuff is wrapped around a person's arm. The values of the instantaneous pressure in the pneumatic portion of the device are converted into an electric signal by the pressure sensor A, pressure sensor B and the differential pressure sensor. These signals are then filtered using a set of passive RC elements for filtering out high frequency interference, and fed to the microprocessor with a computing unit, analog to digital converter. The sampling frequency is sensed signal at least 200 Hz. The control algorithm in the microprocessor, according to signals from the pressure sensor A further controls the course of cuff pressurization, controls the control valve, and finally determines the closing and opening of the closing valve. A microprocessor further controls a display and the data may be transmitted to the PC. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196469 | OPTICAL BLOOD PRESSURE DETECTION DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - A blood pressure detection method includes the steps of: acquiring a PPG signal from a skin surface using a light sensing element; calculating a blood pressure corresponding to each pulse duration according to at least one pressure estimation model and a time difference between two feature points within one pulse duration; calculating a breathing period; averaging a plurality of blood pressures within the breathing period to generate an average blood pressure; and showing the average blood pressure with a display device. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196470 | PATIENT MONITORING SYSTEM - A method of determining blood pressure measurements includes inflating a cuff, receiving an indication of pressure inside the cuff during inflation, determining a blood pressure based at least in part on the received indication, assigning a confidence level to the blood pressure, and determining whether the confidence level satisfies a threshold confidence level. Based at least on a determination that the confidence level satisfies a threshold confidence level, the method can include causing a display to display the blood pressure. Based at least on a determination that the confidence level does not satisfy a threshold confidence level, the method can include deflating the cuff, receiving an indication of pressure inside the cuff during deflation, determining another blood pressure, and causing a display to display a blood pressure. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196471 | SENSOR, SENSOR APPARATUS, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A sensor that is capable of detecting a pulse of a user by using a proximity illumination sensor or a proximity sensor is provided. A proximity sensor ( | 2017-07-13 |
20170196472 | System And Method For Physiological Data Processing And Delivery - A system and method for secure physiological data processing and delivery are provided. A log of identifiers of physiological monitoring patches and of passwords is maintained in a secure database. Physiological monitoring data obtained using one of the patches is received by at least one server together with the identifier and the password associated with that patch. The received identifier and password are compared with the identifiers and passwords stored in the log. The received physiological monitoring data is stored in electronic medical records associated with the matching identifier. The password and the identifier associated with the physiological monitoring data are received from a user device over the data communications network. The received password and identifier are compared to the password and the identifier associated with the electrical medical records. The electronic medical records are provided by to the user device over the data communication network based on the comparison. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196473 | QUANTITATIVE HEART MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTICS - Described are systems, devices, and methods for deriving quantitative metrics of heart condition and function from one or more electrocardiograms or time-frequency maps derived therefrom. In various embodiments, repolarization indices for the left and right ventricles are determined from the T wave in respective electrocardiograms. An overall heart-health index may be determined based on a comparison between the left and right ventricular repolarization indices. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196474 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE INTENSITY OF SENSORY STIMULATION DURING SLEEP BASED ON SLEEP SPINDLES - The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to adjust an intensity of sensory stimulation delivered to a subject during a sleep session based on sleep spindles in the subject during the sleep session. The system is configured to adjust the intensity of the stimulation based on a sleep spindle frequency and/or a sleep spindle density. The system is configured to determine a recent spindle density and/or a recent spindle frequency for a recent period of time during the sleep session based on detected sleep spindles, and to determine a previous spindle density and/or a previous spindle frequency for a previous period of time during the sleep session based on the detected sleep spindles. The system controls the intensity of sensory stimulation provided to the subject based on a comparison of the previous spindle density to the recent spindle density and/or the previous spindle frequency to the recent spindle frequency. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196475 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS - In order to reduce inaccuracy of a hemodynamic visualization image acquired when a blood flow is labeled before blood flow visualization imaging, an MRI apparatus uses a blood flow velocity to control pulse sequences including a sequence of applying a high-frequency pulse for labeling the blood flow and imaging the subsequent blood flow or display of the hemodynamic visualization image. For example, the blood flow velocity is used for controlling application positions of one or more high-frequency pulses from among a plurality of the high-frequency pulses for labeling. The MRI apparatus controls time between labeling the blood flow and starting imaging and/or the application positions of high-frequency pulses for labeling the blood flow. A threshold value for color display of a blood flow visualization image is controlled. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196476 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REMOVING TARGETED LESIONS FROM VESSELS - Devices, systems, and methods for removing targeted lesions from vessels. In at least one embodiment of a device for removing a stenotic lesion from a vessel, the device comprises a sizing portion capable of measuring a luminal size parameter when at least part of the device is positioned within a lumen of a luminal organ, a typing portion, wherein at least part of the at least one typing portion is capable of physically touching a portion of the luminal organ or a structure therein, and a treatment portion capable of removing at least part of a stenotic lesion from the luminal organ. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196477 | MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR A MAGNETIC FIELD GENERATOR - The present disclosure provides a mounting assembly for attaching medical equipment to a patient table. In one particular embodiment, the present disclosure provides a mounting assembly for attaching a magnetic field generator to a patient table. The mounting assembly allows for the secure attachment of the magnetic field generator to the patient table while also allowing for easy adjustment of the positioning and location of the magnetic field generator, even after the patient is on the table. In many embodiments the mounting assembly is comprised of a mounting apparatus that attaches directly to the patient table and first and second side rails that attach to the magnetic field generator and are configured to slidably attach to the mounting apparatus. In some embodiments, the mounting apparatus and side rails are constructed of a material that provides little or no interference with the magnetic field generator. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196478 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING AND MONITORING TUBES IN BODY PASSAGEWAYS - Tubes (e.g., catheters, endotracheal or chest tubes and bypass grafts) are provided, comprising a catheter and a plurality of sensors. Briefly stated, a wide variety of tubes (e.g., catheters, endotracheal or chest tubes, bypass grafts, balloon catheters, urinary catheters, central lines and dialysis catheters), as well as related delivery devices (e.g., guidewires) are provided with a number of sensors to monitor the integrity, patency and efficaciousness of the device. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196479 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE FIBER FOR OPTICAL SENSING - A medical device, system, and method having a flexible shaft and a multi-core fiber within the flexible shaft. The multi-core fiber includes a plurality of optical cores dedicated for shape sensing sensors, and a plurality of optical cores dedicated for force sensing sensors. A medical device flexing structure assembly can comprise a multi-core fiber comprising a plurality of cores, and a flexing structure comprising at least one slot. Each of the plurality of cores can comprise a fiber Bragg grating, and the flexing structure can be configured to bend in response to a force imparted on the flexing structure. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196480 | BODY WORN ANTENNA - A wearable antenna for communicating between an external transceiver and a capsule inside the gastrointestinal tract of a user, including a printed circuit board for forming a conducting pattern on a first face and on a second face of the printed circuit board; a first conducting pattern on the first face of the printed circuit board, including: a) an almost completely split conducting elongated bar across a center of the printed circuit board; b) an identical main conducting transmission area on each side of the almost completely split elongated bar; c) a thin conducting line respectively connecting between each side of the almost completely split elongated bar and the transmission area; a second conducting pattern on the second face of the printed circuit board including a U shaped conductor; wherein the U shaped conductor is positioned to serve as a balun for the conducting pattern on the first face. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196481 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A CONCENTRATIONOF GLUCOSE IN EXHALED BREADTH - The invention generally relates to systems and methods for determining a concentration of glucose in exhaled breadth. In certain aspects, the invention provides a system including a sample collection module configured to collect a condensate sample produced from a mixture of exhaled breadth from a subject and ambient air. The condensate sample includes exhaled breadth glucose and ambient air glucose. The system also includes an assay module configured to assay the condensate sample for total glucose. The system also includes an analysis module that includes a processor that is configured to determine a total glucose concentration in the condensate sample, and adjust the total glucose concentration based upon a concentration of the ambient air glucose in the condensate sample, thereby determining a concentration of the exhaled breadth glucose in the exhaled breadth from the subject. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196482 | REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - A rehabilitation assistance system includes: a first display apparatus which is to be attached to a head of a patient, and which enables a body portion of the patient to be seen; and a display controller which causes an index image that functions as an index for a rehabilitation motion, to be displayed on the first display apparatus. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196483 | RISK-OF-FALLING DETERMINATION APPARATUS, RISK-OF-FALLING DETERMINATION METHOD, RECORDING MEDIUM, AND OUTPUT APPARATUS - A risk-of-falling determination apparatus includes a walk information obtainer that obtains walk information of a user, a myoelectric sensor that measures a first myoelectric potential difference on an anterior surface of a thigh of the user and a second myoelectric potential difference on a posterior surface of the thigh, a control circuit that identifies an interval of a stance phase by using the walk information, calculates a degree of co-contraction at a corresponding leg of the user on the basis of the first and second myoelectric potential differences for the stance phase, and determines whether the degree of co-contraction is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and an outputter that outputs a signal indicating that the user has a high risk of falling if the degree of co-contraction is greater than or equal to the first threshold. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196484 | Specialized Sensors and Techniques for Monitoring Personal Activity - New activity recognition, recording, analysis and control techniques, systems and sensors are provided. In some aspects of the invention, multiple sensory tags with unique identification and data transfer attributes, create positional, movement, orientation and acceleration data and supply it to a control system. The tags may be placed at location(s) on the user's body, clothing, personal effects, exercise equipment and other activity-relevant locations, to enhance activity recognition and mapping. For example, a specialized PDA may comprise part of the control system, and may provide, reflect and/or receive modified data signals to and from such tags. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196485 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPREHENSIVE HUMAN MOVEMENT ANALYSIS - A method, system, and computer-readable medium receive module configuration settings to configure a customized human movement examination module for a human movement examination item. A patient is instructed with audio instructions associated with the customized human movement examination module. A single camera is controlled having progressive scan capabilities according to the module configuration settings to allow recording of a performance by the patient of the human movement examination item. The recorded data is analyzed based on the information provided by the single camera to measure human movement exhibited by the patient. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196486 | PERIPHERAL FIBEROPTIC INTRAVASCULAR BLOOD METRIC PROBE MODULAR DEVICE AND METHOD - The invention is a device and method for measuring, inter alia, blood oxygenation, arterial/venous blood gas, and/or hemoglobin values in an already-inserted arterial or venous catheter in a patient. It allows the measurement of a meaningful and commonly understood metrics of blood oxygenation and gas exchange in hypo-perfused patients while avoiding the additional discomfort and risk of infection posed by inserting a standalone device with its own catheter. Analogous uses of the apparatus for other measurements is possible. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196487 | DERMAL LAYER ANALYTE SENSING DEVICES AND METHODS - Provided are dermal sensors and dermal sensor applicator sets to insert at least a portion of a dermal sensor into a dermal layer of a subject, as well as methods of making and using the same. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196488 | Serial Electrochemical Measurements of Blood Components - Devices, systems and methods for measuring, and configured to measure, a blood analyte continuously or at intervals, the device comprising at least a first set of analyte sensing sensor electrodes configured for making electrochemical measurements of the analyte, and at least a second set of biofouling prevention electrodes in operable proximity to, and configured to prevent biofouling of, the first set of electrodes. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196489 | INTERMITTENT MEASURING OF THE PARTIAL PRESSURE OF AN ANALYTE IN THE SKIN TISSUE - It is commonly known within the art of cutaneous/transcutaneous blood gas monitoring to warm up the skin of the patient to allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to diffuse easily through the skin. This is especially the case for transcutaneous partial pressure monitoring of oxygen. Heating the skin to 43° C. to 45° C. over several hours or days may cause damage to the skin. In order to avoid or minimize the risk of these damage, it is proposed to monitor the blood gases at a lower temperature with a cutaneous sensor, and intermittently warm up the skin to a temperature of 42° C. or more for a short duration to monitor the transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen, before lowering the temperature to the lower set point. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196490 | DETECTION DEVICE, DETECTION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - The present technology relates to a detection device, a detection method, and a program capable of detecting a living body state of a human body easily and accurately. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196491 | TRANSCUTANEOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196492 | Non-Invasive Analyte Detection System With Modulation Source - A system for modulating a response signal includes functionalized particles configured to interact with target analytes, a detector configured to detect an analyte response signal transmitted from the body, a modulation source configured to modulate the analyte response signal, and a processor configured to non-invasively detect the one or more target analytes by differentiating the analyte response signal from a background signal, at least in part, based on the modulation. The analyte response signal is related to the interaction of the target analytes with the functionalized particles. In some examples, the system may also include magnetic particles and a magnetic field source sufficient to distribute the magnetic particles into a spatial arrangement in the body. The analyte response signal may be differentiated from the background signal, at least in part, based on modulation of the signals due, at least in part, to the spatial arrangement of the magnetic particles. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196493 | OPTICAL SENSOR PATH SELECTION - A device includes a sensor for measuring a parameter for tissue. The sensor includes a plurality of optical elements including a plurality of detectors and at least one emitter. Separation distances between the various optical elements are selected based on a depth corresponding to a region of interest in the tissue and based on a depth corresponding to an exclusion region in the tissue. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196494 | Identification, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Neuropathologies, Neurotoxicities, Tumors, and Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries Using Electrodes with Microvoltammetry - The present invention relates to devices and methods of use thereof for detection of biomolecules, in vitro, in vivo, or in situ. The invention relates to methods of diagnosing and/or treating a subject as having or being at risk of developing a disease or condition that is associated with abnormal levels of one or more biomolecules including, but not limited to, inter alia, epilepsy, diseases of the basal ganglia, athetoid, dystonic diseases, neoplasms, Parkinson's disease, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and cancer. The invention also provides methods of differentiating white matter from gray matter. In some embodiments, regions of the brain to be resected or targeted for pharmaceutical therapy are identified using sensors. The invention further provides methods of measuring the neurotoxicity of a material by comparing microvoltammograms of a neural tissue in the presence and absence of the material using the inventive sensors. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196495 | FOOD TASTE SIMULATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A food taste simulation method, applied in a food taste simulation system, comprising: determining food information of target food according to a food simulation trigger signal when receiving the food simulation trigger signal; determining airflow for simulating the taste of the target food according to the food information; and releasing the airflow through an airflow chip disposed in the oral cavity according to the airflow. The safety of food simulation is improved and the effect of food simulation is enriched in this method. A food taste simulation system is also provided. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196496 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FIXATION, ALIGNMENT, AND/OR SACCADIC MEASUREMENTS TO IDENTIFY AND/OR TRACK BRAIN FUNCTION - A device can include a body having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, a first face and an opposing second face. The first face can have an opening therein. A light source can be positioned within the body. The light source can be configured to create a beam of polarized light. At least a portion of the beam of polarized light can be directed outside of the body through the opening in the front face. At least one polarization sensitive detector can be positioned within the body. At least one light can be positioned on or in the first face. At least one target can be configured to be visible through the opening in the front face of the device. The lights and the target can be configured to illuminate in a predetermined manner or pattern. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196497 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING ICTAL STATES IN A PATIENT - A system and method for identifying ictal states in a patient, the system including a plurality of sensors for sensing different non-electroencephalographic signals from the patient, and a processing unit. The processing unit has a processor and memory with instructions for classifying data from the plurality of sensors to determine probability of the patient being ictal, when the probability is high asking the patient if the patient is in an ictal state, reporting to a caregivers if the patient is ictal, and updating the classifier based upon sensor data, probability, and the response. The method includes sensing, using a plurality of non-electroencephalographic sensors, determining, using a classifier trained using a training dataset, probability of the patient being in an ictal state, and if probability is high, asking the patient if the patient is in ictal state, logging the occurrence of an ictal state, and updating the classifier. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196498 | IBS RELATED TESTING AND TREATMENT - Methods and items useful at least therein are provided for IBS related testing and treatment. Disclosed is a patch useful in determining if one or more test materials can cause allergic contact dermatitis in a patient. A kit containing information on use and that may include such a patch and/or test material(s) is also disclosed. A method of IBS related testing including performing skin patch testing on a patient presenting IBS symptoms using at least one test material that can cause allergic contact dermatitis is provided. A method for the treatment of IBS which includes limiting the intake by a patient presenting IBS symptoms of at least one material that gives a positive skin patch test result in the patient is also disclosed. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196499 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING AND MONITORING ORTHOPEDIC HARDWARE - Orthopedic device or implants are provided, comprising an orthopedic device or implant and a sensor. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196500 | FLOW-BASED SLEEP STAGE DETERMINATION - A method and system of determining a sleep stage of a user involves receiving a respiratory flow signal of a user, obtaining at least one respiratory feature from at least part of the respiratory flow signal, and determining a sleep stage from the at least one respiratory feature. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196501 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING CEREBRAL ACTIVITY - A patient monitor for monitoring cerebral activity of a patient may include a processor configured to determine a depth of consciousness index for the patient based on electroencephalography (EEG) data and determine regional oxygen saturation for the patient based on regional oximetry data. Additionally, the processor may be configured to determine a metric associated with cerebral activity of the patient based at least in part on the one or more values of the depth of consciousness index and the one or more regional oxygen saturation values and to provide the one or more values of a depth of consciousness index and the metric to an output device. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196502 | MONITORING COMPLIANCE USING VENOUS REFILL DETECTION - Monitoring patient compliance with a compression therapy regimen. Venous Refill Time (VRT) is monitored via a pressure sensor in a bladder of a compression system. A controller of the compression system correlates the monitored VRT to a predetermined threshold to determine whether the patient is using the compression system. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196503 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING NERVOUS FUNCTION - Disclosed is a method for interacting with the nervous system. The method includes detecting signals associated with a biological function at one or more sensors. It also includes processing the signals to create a representation thereof, delivering effector responses based on the representations, and controlling a physical process. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196504 | SELF-ADMINISTERED TAMPER-EVIDENT DRUG DETECTION - A self-administered tamper-evident drug detection system. The system includes a biometric detection surface for each of a user's right and left hands, configured to identify the user and prevent tamper by continuously capturing biometric information from each of the user's right and left hands while the system is administering a drug detection test. The system further includes a collection device to administer the drug detection test by exposing a sample collection device to a user's mouth to collect a saliva sample. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196505 | PREDICTIVE INSTRUMENT TO IDENTIFY PATIENTS FOR USE OF PHARMACOLOGICAL CARDIAC METABOLIC SUPPORT - A purpose-made predictive instrument for the administration of cardiac metabolic support for acute coronary syndromes (ACS, which include unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction) that particularly identifies those most likely to benefit from treatment. In some examples, such a predictive instrument is used for real-time decision support for the administration of treatments such as glucoseinsulin-potassium (GIK). | 2017-07-13 |
20170196506 | INVASIVE SENSE MEASUREMENT IN PROSTHESIS INSTALLATION - A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure. Force sensing is included to aid in quantifying installation of an implant, particularly a cup into a pelvic bone. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196507 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS RELATED TO ARTIFICIAL ORTHOPEDIC JOINTS - A joint monitoring system for measuring performance parameters associated with an orthopedic articular joint comprises a force sensing module and an inertial measurement units. The sensing module comprises a housing that engages with the joint articular surface having a medial portion and a lateral portion. The sensing module also includes a first and second set of sensors disposed within the housing. The first set of sensors are mechanically coupled to the medial portion of the particular surface and configured to detect information of a force incident upon the medial portion of the articular surface. The second set of sensors are mechanically coupled to the lateral portion of the articular surface and configured to detect information a force incident upon a lateral portion of the articular surface. The inertial measurement unit is configured to detect an orientation of at least one of a first and second bone of a knee joint. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196508 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING AND MONITORING SPINAL IMPLANTS - Spinal device/implants are provided, comprising a spinal device/implant and a sensor. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196509 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING AND MONITORING HEART VALVES - Heart valves are provided, comprising a heart valve and a plurality of sensors. Briefly stated, heart valves having sensors, as well as related delivery devices are provided with a number of sensors to monitor the integrity and efficaciousness of the device. Within one embodiment, sensors can be positioned within the heart valve, and/or on one or more surfaces of the heart valve. When the phrase “placed in a heart valve” is utilized, it should be understood to refer to any of the above embodiments, unless the context of the usage implies otherwise. Within certain embodiments, the sensors are of the type that are passive and thus do not require their own power supply. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196510 | CIRCADIAN PHASE DETECTION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a device ( | 2017-07-13 |
20170196511 | ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL TESTING DEVICE - A portable device for use in performing a plurality of different electro-physiological tests is provided. The device may include a port for receiving and a controller for processing signals from each of the different tests. The device may also receive a portable computing device such as a laptop or tablet for use in analyzing the signals processed by the device. A headgear including straps may be used to perform one or more of the tests. The headgear may include one or more connectors for connecting the straps of the headgear, for connecting electrodes to a patient, and for maintaining contact between the electrodes and the patient's head during the test. In addition, the device may be capable of assisting a user of the device in configuring the electrodes for the different tests. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196512 | MASK - A mask configured to be attached to the face of a subject includes a wall section that defines an internal space and covers at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject, an expired gas introduction section that is disposed in the internal space and introduce the subject's expired gas, and a communication section defining a communication channel through which the subject's expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor. The position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space is variable. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196513 | GARMENTS HAVING STRETCHABLE AND CONDUCTIVE INK - Methods of forming garments having one or more stretchable conductive ink patterns. Described herein are method of making garments (including compression garments) having one or more highly stretchable conductive ink pattern formed of a composite of an insulative adhesive, a conductive ink, and an intermediate gradient zone between the adhesive and conductive ink. The conductive ink typically includes between about 40-60% conductive particles, between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and between about 3-7% thickener. The stretchable conductive ink patterns may be stretched more than twice their length without breaking or rupturing. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196514 | SENSOR FOR MEASUREMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL ELECTRICAL SIGNALS - A sensor for measuring physiological electric signals, comprising: a textile electrode that comprises a detecting textile portion for detecting physiological electric signals and a peripheral textile portion directly adjacent to the detecting portion, in which the detecting portion has an electrically conductive detecting surface area that is intended to come into contact with the skin of an individual; a first electrical connection electrically connected to an acquisition and processing device of the physiological signals detected by the textile electrode, and an electrical connection that electrically connects the textile electrode to the electrical connector, in which the electrode has a three-dimensional textile structure made by interweaving warp threads and weft threads, in which the detecting portion comprises an upper textile layer the upper surface of which extends over the surface detection area and a lower textile layer, arranged below the upper layer and joined to the latter along a perimeter joining line so as to create a cavity defined by the joining line and to define a region outside the joining line that comprises the peripheral textile portion, and the cavity is filled by a filler material so that the detecting textile portion protrudes in height with respect to the peripheral textile portion. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196515 | CONTACT SENSORS AND METHODS FOR MAKING SAME - Disclosed herein are novel contact sensors. The contact sensors disclosed herein include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular aspect, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196516 | RESPIRATORY DETECTION DEVICE - A respiratory detection device detects a behavior of breathing of an occupant on a seat of a vehicle. A seatbelt is equipped by the occupant to retain the occupant at the seat. A detection belt is mounted to the vehicle or the seat at one-end side. The detection belt is further connected to the seatbelt at the other-end side. The detection belt is equipped by the occupant together with the seatbelt when the occupant equips the seatbelt. A sensor is connected to the detection belt to detect the behavior of breathing. The detection belt retains the sensor at a position of an abdomen of the occupant when the occupant equips the seatbelt. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196517 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE CENTRAL SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE - The invention relates to a method for determining the central systolic blood pressure of a patient, comprising the following steps:
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20170196518 | ALGORITHM ADAPTATION TO AN EXTERNAL IMPACT ON THE DATA - Devices and methods for detecting a physiological target event such as events indicative of HF decompensation status are described. An ambulatory medical device is configured to determine the presence and timing of a confounding event, segment a sensed physiological signal into at least two data segments, adjust the physiological signal by removing or lessening the impact of the confounding event on the physiological signal. The adjusted data can be presented to the user, and the ambulatory medical device can detect the target events using the adjusted physiologic signal. In some embodiments, the ambulatory medical device can be configured to detect an event indicative of HF decompensation using a physiological signal and the information of the detected confounding event. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196519 | FREQUENCY-MULTIPLEXED SPEECH-SOUND STIMULI FOR HIERARCHICAL NEURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SPEECH PROCESSING - A system and method for generating frequency-multiplexed synthetic sound-speech stimuli and for detecting and analyzing electrical brain activity of a subject in response to the stimuli. Frequency-multiplexing of speech copora and synthetic sounds helps the composite sound to blend into a single auditory object. The synthetic sounds are temporally aligned with the utterances of the speech corpus. Frequency multiplexing may include splitting the frequency axis into alternating bands of speech and synthetic sound to minimize the disruptive interaction between the speech and synthetic sounds along the basilar membrane and in their neural representations. The generated stimuli can be used with both traditional and advanced techniques to analyze electrical brain activity and provides a rapid, synoptic view into the functional health of the early auditory system, including how speech is processed at different levels and how these levels interact. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196520 | SHIELD FOR PATIENT POSITIONING IN EXTRA-ORAL IMAGING - A patient positioning apparatus for an extra-oral imaging system includes a mount for revolving an x-ray source and an imaging sensor panel about a patient's head and a substantially transparent shield suspended from the mount. The shield has a chin support coupled to the shield and comprises a chin rest and a bite element and a forehead support coupled to the shield and comprises a head rest. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196521 | Bite Tray Having Fiducial Markers for Head Scan Registration and Method of Use - The present invention is directed to a bite tray having fiducial markers for head scan registration and method of use. The bite tray is held by a patient in his teeth while the scan of his head and the fiducial markers is made by x-ray, CT, or MRI and the scan is entered into a computer to register the scan to the fiducial markers. Instrument optical markers are placed on a dental instrument and it is observed by a camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the instrument optical markers to the dental instrument. Patient optical markers are placed on the patient and it is observed by the camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the patient optical markers to the patient. The tip of the dental instrument is then touched to one of the fiducial markers making the location of the tip and the fiducial marker the same. The computer then registers the scan to the instrument and the patient. The bite tray is then removed from the mouth allowing access by the dentist to the teeth. The camera follows the movement of the instrument optical markers to the patient optical markers to create a display of the instrument and tip on the scan. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196522 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTION-FREE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - A system and method for computed tomography (CT) imaging is provided. The system includes a gantry having a first and second circumference defining locations fixed in relation to a subject arranged therein, the first and second circumference being axially separated, and spaced from a central axial plane of the gantry. The system also includes a plurality of source modules arranged at locations along the first circumference, and configured for directing X-ray beams toward the subject using a selected illumination pattern, and a plurality of detector modules arranged at locations along the second circumference, wherein the source and detector modules are angled toward the central axial plane such that each source module is diametrically opposed to one or more detector modules. The system further includes an acquisition system configured for controlling the plurality of source modules in accordance with the selected illumination pattern, and acquiring CT image data from the plurality of detector modules. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196523 | DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY DETECTOR IMAGE READOUT PROCESS - A radiographic detector acquires a first partial exposed image signal during an image readout of each of the rows of photosensors, one row at a time. A first scan of each row includes measuring the charge delivered to each cell of the rows, including some rows having partial charge and other rows having full charge, and obtaining a first null image signal during the scan. A second scan includes measuring remaining charge delivered to those rows having partial charge. The null image signal data is subtracted from a sum of the first two scans. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196524 | IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a corresponding imaging method. To avoid the disadvantages of a pile-up effect in the detection unit, an imaging apparatus is proposed comprising a radiation source ( | 2017-07-13 |
20170196525 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays, and to irradiate the X-rays; an imaging unit configured to photograph an object image; a controller configured to acquire object direction information from the object image, and to determine whether the object direction information corresponds to information about an irradiation direction of X-rays; and a user interface configured to output a warning if the object direction information does not correspond to the information about the irradiation direction of X-rays. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196526 | AUTOMATIC DETERMINATION OF JOINT LOAD INFORMATION - A method is provided for the automatic determination of at least one joint load information item concerning a joint of a patient, wherein at least one image data set of the loaded joint is recorded by an imaging apparatus. Several image data sets of the joint, of which at least one is three-dimensional, are recorded in each case for different loading states by the imaging apparatus. By combined evaluation of the image data sets, the at least one joint load information item is determined. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196527 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION METHOD - In order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus and an image reconstruction method that can determine a movement phase to be used for generating diagnostic images with a small number of operations and can acquire diagnostic images in a short time while reducing a burden on an operator in scanning in which the target is a moving site, an image processing device | 2017-07-13 |
20170196528 | MEDICAL IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE CORRECTION METHOD USING DEPTH CAMERA - An embodiment of the present invention relates to radiographing apparatus and method of correcting a medical radiograph. The embodiment of the present invention may include a radiographing device radiographing a subject and obtaining medical radiograph data of the subject; and a depth camera radiographing the subject, and obtaining depth data of the subject. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196529 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTION ARTIFACTS REDUCTION - A system for reconstructing a 3D volume has a surface acquisition system with a light source and an image sensor for characterizing the surface contour of a patient and an X-ray imaging system for acquiring X-ray projection data of the patient from a number of angular positions. A controller is programmed with instructions to synchronize the 3D surface contour characterization from the surface acquisition system with the acquired X-ray projection data. A processor executes a motion reduction method that uses the acquired X-ray projection data and the generated 3D surface contour characterization to reconstruct a 3D volume. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196530 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING MEDICAL IMAGING - Gamma cameras may be used to obtain two-dimensional images of an emitting object, of which the most common form is the “Anger-type” gamma camera. The primary components in a conventional Anger-type gamma camera include, but are not limited to: a plurality of photo-multiplier tubes, a scintillator material, and a collimator. The disclosed invention claims a novel use of a gamma camera which eliminates the collimator. The new method is a method of forming an initial image from the incident radiation, which does not depend on any mechanical or other means of restricting the incident radiation to be passed on to a position-sensitive radiation detector. This method then uses mathematical deconvolution to produce an image of the object without the need for a collimator and without reliance on a pre-existing image. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196531 | MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SCANNING THEREOF - According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a medical imaging apparatus includes a first control unit. The first control unit controls capturing of an image of an object based on a first software component when the first software component is in an active state, periodically monitors a state of the first software component included in a software application, and sets any one of at least one second software component, which is the same as the first software component, to be in an active state when the first software component is in a failure state so as to continue to capture images of the object. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196532 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME - Disclosed herein are an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a control method thereof. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display an ultrasound image and an external image such that a first reference line overlaps the ultrasound image and a second reference line overlaps the external image; an ultrasound probe configured to receive a command for moving or rotating at least one image of the ultrasound image and the external image based on a predetermined reference coordinate system; and a controller configured to determine whether the ultrasound image matches with the external image according to manipulation of the ultrasound probe, and to control the display unit to synthesize the ultrasound image with the external image and to display the ultrasound image and the external image, if determining that the ultrasound image matches with the external image. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196533 | Motion independence in acoustic radiation force impulse imaging - Motion independent acoustic radiation force impulse imaging is provided. Rather than rely on the displacement over time for each location, the displacements over locations for each time are used. Parallel beamforming is used to simultaneously sample across a region of interest. Since it may be assumed that the different locations are subjected to the same motion at the same time, finding a peak displacement over locations for each given time provides peak or profile information independent of the motion. The velocity or other viscoelastic parameter may be estimated from the displacements over locations. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196534 | TRACKED ULTRASOUND VESSEL IMAGING - A medical imaging apparatus, such as including a processor circuit, can be used to construct a first image of a plane parallel to the surface of an ultrasonic imaging transducer, the plane corresponding to a locus at a specified depth within a first region of tissue. The apparatus can obtain information about a location of a vessel in the first image, then obtain, from a second region of tissue, imaging information corresponding to loci in planes parallel to the surface of the transducer, the planes at depths automatically determined at least in part using the obtained information about the location of the vessel in the first image. In an example, the apparatus can automatically determine an adjusted depth corresponding to the location of the vessel in the second region, and construct a second image of a plane corresponding to the adjusted depth within the tissue. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196535 | MEDICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM - A three-dimensional reference image is displayed along with an ultrasound image (tomogram). The three-dimensional reference image has a first existing line representing a first puncture needle and a second prospective line indicating the prospective puncture path of a second puncture needle. The position and orientation of the probe are adjusted by the user with reference to the three-dimensional reference image so that the second prospective line has an appropriate position relative to the first existing line. After the adjustment, the second puncture needle is inserted into the body using a puncture adaptor provided on the probe. A second existing line is displayed in the three-dimensional reference image when the insertion of the second puncture needle is completed. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196536 | TISSUE DEPTH ESTIMATION USING GATED ULTRASOUND AND FORCE MEASUREMENTS - A method for estimating a thickness of tissue includes receiving multiple measurements, each measurement indicating (i) a respective mechanical pressure applied to the tissue, and (ii) one or more round-trip propagation times of an ultrasound wave traversing the tissue in the presence of the respective mechanical pressure. A set of the measurements is selected, having mechanical pressures that fall in a specified partial subrange of mechanical-pressure values. The thickness of the tissue is estimated based on the round-trip propagation times in the selected set of the measurements. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196537 | ULTRASOUND PROBE - An ultrasound probe includes: a transducer unit having a plurality of ultrasound transducers; a flexible substrate configured to be flat L-shaped in a relaxed state; and a plurality of coaxial wires configured to electrically connect the transducer unit to the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate has thereon: a plurality of signal lines configured to be electrically connected to the transducer unit via the plurality of coaxial wires; and a first return GND that is a ground for the plurality of signal lines and is formed on an inner side of the L-shaped flexible substrate with respect to the plurality of signal lines. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196538 | ULTRASOUND PROBE - An ultrasound probe includes: an ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit provided on an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject, the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit having a plurality of piezoelectric elements annularly arrayed to transmit ultrasound to the subject and receive an ultrasound echo reflected from the subject; a balloon locking portion attached on a distal end side of the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit and having a groove portion for locking an opening end part of a balloon that covers the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit, the balloon locking portion being formed of metal or carbon, the balloon locking portion having, on an outer periphery thereof, a depression leading to the groove portion; and an insulating portion provided between the ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit and the balloon locking portion, the insulating portion being formed of insulating material. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196539 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention proposes an ultrasound imaging system and a method of calculating a perfusion parameter ratio. The proposed approach comprises: acquiring a time intensity curve of a contrast agent for each region unit of a plurality of region units of an imaging region of a subject, each region unit comprising one or more points of the imaging region; selecting, among the plurality of region units, a first, second and third sets of region units respectively corresponding to normal tissue, vessel and background noise, based on the time-intensity curves; calculating a perfusion parameter for each of one or more region units of the first set of region units and a perfusion parameter for a region of interest in the imaging region based on the calculated time-intensity curves; calculating a reference perfusion parameter based on the perfusion parameters of the one or more region units; and calculating a ratio value for the region of interest as a ratio of the perfusion parameter of the region of interest and the reference perfusion parameter. Since the reference perfusion parameter is calculated based on the one or more region units which are automatically selected, the approach requires no manual manipulation and the calculated perfusion parameter ratios are independent of operator experience. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196540 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS - An ultrasound imaging apparatus ( | 2017-07-13 |
20170196541 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE MUSCLE ULTRASOOUND FOR DIAGNOSIS OF NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASE - Systems and methods are provided for diagnosing neuromuscular disease in a patient suspected of having a neuromuscular disease, Phantoms for use in these systems and methods are also provided. Methods are further provided for determining a normalized ultrasound data value for a patient of interest having a known age, weight, height, and sex. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196542 | IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO SAMPLE COLLECTION - Sample collection apparatus and methods of sample collection are provided, for example saliva collection apparatus and methods of saliva collection. Said apparatus conveniently comprises a filter assembly and an interface for delivering material from the apparatus to an assay unit. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196543 | PROSTATE BIOPSY APPARATUS - A perineal prostate biopsy apparatus comprising a cannula for reaching a prostate gland of an adult human male through his perineum; and a coaxial needle comprising a hollow needle shaft having an open piercing tip at its distal end and being arranged to lie within the cannula so that the piercing tip protrudes from a distal end of the cannula; and, a stylet adapted to lie within the hollow needle shaft so that a distal tip of the stylet closes the piercing tip of the needle. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196544 | CELL ISOLATION INSTRUMENT - Provided is a cell isolation instrument capable of smoothly performing a plurality of steps associated with isolation of cells, including gripping of a biological tissue, transferring of the biological tissue, and isolating of the biological tissue. A container has an opening. A sealing member seals the opening. A pair of pinching parts is connected to the sealing member, and the pair of pinching parts opens or closes by being pressed. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196545 | DETACHABLE MEDICAL ELECTRIC TOOL - A medical electric tool has a grip portion and a driving portion. The grip portion has a combining protrusion, two combining channels, and a locking device. The combining channels are defined respectively in two sides of the combining protrusion. The locking device is mounted in the combining protrusion and has two locking blocks and two recoil springs. Each locking block has an engaging segment. The engaging segment is formed on one end of the locking block and extends into one of the combining channels. The driving portion is detachably mounted on the combining protrusion on the grip portion and has a bottom face and two engaging ribs. Each engaging rib has an end provided with an engaging hook selectively engaging with the engaging segment of a corresponding one of the locking blocks. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196546 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT GUIDE DEVICE - An instrument guide device comprises an elongated guide shaft having proximal and distal ends and including an instrument lumen for receiving therethrough a manually operated instrument having an instrument shaft. A distal bendable member is disposed at the distal end of the guide shaft and a proximal bendable member is disposed at the proximal end of the guide shaft. Actuation means extends between the distal and proximal bendable members and provides a bending of the distal bendable member controlled from the proximal bendable member. The proximal bendable member is controlled from the manually operated instrument to cause a corresponding bending of said distal bendable member. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196547 | RETRACTOR SUCTION CATHETER - A retractor suction catheter used during surgery is provided. The suction catheter may include a flexible tube having an open end and a closed end. The open end may include a fitting. The tube may further include a plurality of slits in between the open end and the closed end. The tube may fit through a subject's oral cavity and out of the mouth. The tube may retract the soft palate so that the surgeon may perform the proper surgery. Further, a vacuum may be attached to the fitting, and therefore liquids, fumes and debris may be removed through the apertures. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196548 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR FOR IMPLANTING LEADS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A retractor for implanting a lead of an electrical stimulation system includes multiple retractor teeth defining an implantation lumen; multiple pin arrangements that each include a base coupled to one of the retractor teeth and at least one pin extending from the base; a spiral track having multiple spiral indentations and multiple spiral ridges separating the spiral indentations with at least one pin of each of the pin arrangements engaging one of the spiral indentations of the spiral track; and a handle coupled to the spiral track to rotate the spiral track. The retractor is configured and arranged to radially move the retractor teeth as the spiral track is rotated. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196549 | SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID AND STABLE ENDOLUMINAL SURGICAL SUITE FOR TREATING A GASTROINTESTINAL LESION - Exemplary embodiments of devices and method for affecting at least one anatomical tissue can be provided. A configuration can be provided that includes a structure which is expandable (i) having and/or (ii) forming at least one opening or a working space through which the anatomical tissue(s) is placed in the structure. For example, the structure, prior to being expanding, can have at least one partially rigid portion. In addition, or as an alternative, upon a partial or complete expansion thereof, the structure can be controllable to have a plurality of shapes. Further, the structure can be controllable to provide the working space with multiple shapes and/or multiple sizes. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196550 | Surgical Suturing Instrument - A surgical suturing instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate member extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate member. The end effector may include a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position for grasping tissue. Each of the jaw members defines a knife slot, a first needle slot, and a second needle slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the end effector. The end effector also includes a knife assembly and an upper assembly pivotably coupled to an upper knife flange of the knife assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper bellcrank, a first needle, a first suture passing through a first aperture defined by the first needle, a second needle, and a second suture passing through a second aperture defined by the second needle. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196551 | SUTURE GUIDE AND RUPTURED TISSUE REPAIR - A suture guide may include a base, a tissue guard extending from the base, and two flanking posts affixed to the base on opposite sides of the tissue guard. The posts may extend from the base in parallel planes, and each of the posts may define a plurality of channels passing through its width. The channels may be so oriented that, for each post (a) the channels define suture needle guide paths in one or more planes, and (b) at least one channel is not perpendicular to a long axis of the first flanking post, so that it defines an oblique suture needle guide path. The tissue guard may be connected to the base by a connector so adjustable as to control spacing between the posts and the tissue guard. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196552 | MEDICAL NEEDLE - The purpose of the present invention is to provide a medical needle with which, compared to a conventionally known suture thread guide needle, puncture, handling, and perforation are easy when guiding a suture thread along a hernia orifice beneath the skin, and therefore, the medical needle enables the execution of an LPEC method using simpler procedures. The purpose is accomplished by a medical needle comprising: a loop member provided with a loop needle the distal end of which has a loop-shaped structure, and a grip part the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the loop needle; a threading member that is provided with a tubular threading needle and a tubular grip part the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the threading needle, and that is configured so that the loop member can pass through the threading member from the distal end thereof; and a puncturing member that is provided with a tubular puncture needle the distal end of which has a sharp-angled structure and a tubular grip part the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the puncture needle, and that is configured so that the threading member can pass through the puncturing member from the distal end thereof. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196553 | SUTURE CLIPS AND METHODS OF DEPLOYING SAME - A suture clip includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall defining a lumen through the body from the proximal end to the distal end. At least one engaging arm is movable between a loaded condition in which the engaging arm is oriented substantially parallel with the sidewall of the body, and a relaxed condition in which the engaging arm is oriented transversely to the sidewall of the body and at least partially disposed within the lumen. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196554 | Intra Dermal Tissue Fixation Device - A device is disclosed for the securement of dermal tissues. The device provides approximation and eversion of the tissue as well as the placement of a fixation element that bridges a wound. The fixation element may be produced in several fixed or dynamic configurations that may or may not alter the ability to engage tissue in response to stresses placed upon the fixation member post-deployment. The delivery device inserts the fastener percutaneously through the epidermis into the sub-dermal position without entering the wound margins with any part of the approximation portion of the delivery device. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196555 | Suture Packaging - A suture package for retaining a barbed suture is provided. The suture package includes a suture retaining member including an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall is radially spaced from the outer wall and defines a suture retaining area therebetween. The inner wall defines a needle retaining area and includes at least one opening therein to permit reception of at least one suture therethrough. The outer wall includes a plurality of inwardly extending tabs configured to engage a cover. The suture package further includes a cover configured to be received within the outer wall of the suture retaining member and to selectively engage the inwardly extending tabs formed thereon. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196556 | SURGICAL FASTENER APPARATUS - A surgical fastener apparatus includes a handle, a flexible elongate segment and an end effector having a fastener cartridge with a plurality of fasteners and an anvil, an approximator member movable relative to the longitudinal axis to cause relative movement of the fastener cartridge and the anvil between an open condition and an approximated condition, a fastener drive to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge for crimping by the anvil, at least one tissue grasper at least partially extending along the end effector and movable to engage tissue and draw the tissue between the fastener cartridge and the anvil when in the open condition, and at least one manual actuator to actuate at least one of the approximator member, the fastener drive or the at least one tissue grasper. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196557 | ADAPTER ASSEMBLIES FOR INTERCONNECTING SURGICAL LOADING UNITS AND HANDLE ASSEMBLIES - An adapter assembly includes an elongated body, a circuit assembly, and an annular member. The elongated body includes a proximal portion configured to couple to a handle assembly, and a distal portion configured to couple to a surgical loading unit. The circuit assembly is disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and configured to be in communication with a handle assembly. The annular member is rotatably disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and includes an electrical contact. The annular member is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically isolated from the circuit assembly, and a second orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically connected to the circuit assembly. | 2017-07-13 |
20170196558 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED END EFFECTOR - The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors. | 2017-07-13 |